Mine de Vallauria, Mining site in Tende, France
The Mine de Vallauria is an old mining site in the mountains near Tende in southeastern France, located about 1500 meters above sea level. It consists of tunnels, chambers, and building remains that were carved by hand to extract zinc, silver, and lead from the rock.
The mine was used from the 11th or 12th century onward and remained an important source of silver and zinc for the region over many centuries. Active mining ended between 1927 and 1929, but the tunnel structures and an abandoned miners' village were preserved and later rediscovered and restored.
Vallauria means "valley of gold" in Latin, reflecting the sparkling minerals visible in the rocks. The site remains tied to the lives of miners whose stories and traditions continue to shape local identity and are passed on through the restored village and old tunnels.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing since the temperature inside remains below 10 degrees Celsius even in summer. A helmet is provided and paths are safely marked, but booking a guided tour is recommended to understand the history and ensure safety.
The tunnels descend more than 200 meters underground and display colored mineral deposits in red, black, and white on the walls. Miners used fire to heat and break the rocks, and these methods left visible marks that remain visible in the chambers today.
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